In a tragic turn of events, Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar, a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) from the elite 2 Para (Special Forces) of the Indian Army, was killed in a high-stakes encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s remote Kishtwar district. The operation, which took place on Sunday, November 10, also saw three other commandos injured as they engaged with the terrorists in the dense forest of the Bhart Ridge area. The Army’s White Knight Corps paid tribute to Naib Subedar Kumar, honoring his bravery and dedication to the mission. In their statement, they expressed condolences, saying, “GOC (General Officer Commanding) White Knight Corps and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of braveheart, Nb Sub Rakesh Kumar of 2 Para (SF). We stand with the bereaved family in this hour of grief.”
The incident began when the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police initiated a joint counter-insurgency operation to track down two suspected terrorists in the forested regions of Kuntwara and Keshwan, near where the bodies of two Village Defence Group (VDG) members, Nazir Ahmad and Kuldeep Kumar, were discovered. The brutal killing of the two VDG members had already raised concerns among local residents and prompted heightened security measures in the area. Intelligence suggested that the same terrorists responsible for the abductions and murders were still active, leading to the launch of this operation in an effort to eliminate them and restore security to the region.
As the joint forces intercepted the terrorists, an intense exchange of gunfire broke out. Four commandos from the elite 2 Para unit were injured during the operation and were subsequently airlifted to the command hospital in Udhampur for urgent medical care. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar, who had sustained critical injuries in the line of duty, tragically succumbed. His sacrifice highlights the inherent risks faced by India’s Special Forces personnel, who regularly operate in challenging conditions and put their lives on the line to safeguard the region.
The Army's 2 Para (SF), to which Kumar belonged, is known for its highly specialized training and involvement in some of India’s most sensitive and dangerous counter-terrorism missions. The loss of such a dedicated officer has not only impacted the unit but also deeply affected the larger armed forces community, which continues to stand in solidarity with his family and fellow soldiers.
The encounter in Kishtwar underscores the ongoing security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir, where remote and densely forested regions often serve as hiding spots for terrorists. The difficult terrain, combined with the limited accessibility of these areas, makes counter-insurgency operations particularly complex and perilous. Despite these challenges, the Army, along with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, has been resolute in its mission to maintain stability and counter-terrorism in the region. Following the gunfight, a massive search operation was initiated in the forest to track down the terrorists’ exact location and ensure the area is cleared of any remaining threats.
This encounter comes on the heels of another anti-terror operation in Baramulla on November 8, where two terrorists were killed during a combing operation based on specific intelligence inputs. These back-to-back encounters reflect an increase in anti-terror operations across Jammu and Kashmir, with security forces intensifying their efforts to counter militant activity and prevent attacks on local communities. Both the Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police have been working together in close coordination to respond swiftly to any intelligence about terrorist movements, reinforcing the region's defense and security measures.
The recent killings of VDG members and the sacrifice of Naib Subedar Kumar have once again highlighted the dedication and courage of India’s armed forces in their fight against terrorism. These events also underscore the persistent threat posed by militant groups that continue to operate from hidden locations within Jammu and Kashmir.
